Richard Esling May 5: Of Mandolins and Ferraris!

These are the names of just two of the Californian wines supplied by the specialist importer James Hocking Wine, which can be delivered direct to your door.

James Hocking Wine is a specialist Californian wine agency company and James has over two decades of experience in the wine industry, mostly specialising in the importation and sale of the best wines from the region. The focus is on small, boutique producers from California and a selection of other North American regions.

James is the founder, MD, stock-counter, box stacker and head drinker at James Hocking wine and has been in the wine business around 25 years. Following leaving the tedium of HSBC, he went off to Oddbins in the West Country as the van driver from hell, rising to the dizzy heights of manager, before working for Rick Stein at his eponymous Seafood Restaurant as head of beverage. He then spent the next 18 years heading up what was the only exclusive importer of Californian wine in the UK at the time, The Vineyard Cellars, and left as wine director after many visits to CA. As someone who has been importing California’s wines since the 90s, first as an individual, then with his company, he has a remarkably complete education on the best bottles from the Golden State.

With the intention of bringing a little Californian sunshine into our lives during lockdown, Hampshire based James Hocking Wine has put together a specially discounted case of six wines at £99, discounted from over £135, which can be delivered to your door. Three whites and three reds are included, with a selection of different grape varieties.

Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc 2018 is a fabulous flavoursome white from a tip-top winery in Sonoma. Made from Sauvignon Blanc – often called Fumé Blanc by our American cousins, with reference to the famed wine from the Loire in France – it has fresh acidity, combined with luscious tropical and stone-fruit flavours. Harmonised and enhanced by a period maturing in French oak barrels, there are some notes of vanilla and butter, with a full, creamy texture on the palate.

Mandolin Pinot Noir 2015 comes from California’s Monterey region. Greatly influenced by proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the extended growing season is perfect for Pinot Noir, yielding wines with great balance of acidity and full, deep flavours from the varietal. Slightly deeper in colour and richer than its Burgundian counterparts, aromas of red cherry and raspberry are complemented by hints of cigar-box, leather and spice, from judicious oak treatment.

These are just two of the wines from the Lockdown California box, which represent the great individuality and character of wines in the James Hocking portfolio. A range which varies in price from £13.50 a bottle, to well over £100 a bottle for some of the rare, but ultimately desirable bottles. Order on-line at www.jameshockingwine.com

Bring on the Californian sunshine!